Miss Angola 2011

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

•Jael Strauss reached the final of the show, hosted by Tyra Banks, six years ago•The 28-year-old is now a homeless drug addict whose looks have been ravaged by methamphetamine

By Olivia Fleming

Jael Strauss, a former contestant on America's Next Top Model, has spent six years struggling with a drug addiction which has ravaged her once striking looks, leaving her desperate and homeless.

At 22, Ms Strauss was an aspiring model and a finalist in cycle eight of the Tyra Banks hosted show, But now, the 28-year-old's family says she is close to losing her battle with methamphetamine.

In what they say was a last ditch effort to reach out to their daughter, the family enlisted the help of Dr Phil. However on the episode, which airs on September 13, 'the full blown meth addict' resists all help.

Before and after: Jael Strauss, a former contestant on America's Next Top Model (left) has spent six years struggling with drug addiction since she left the show (right)With Ms Strauss living on the streets, Dr. Phil her brother, Brandon, and mother, Debbie, go to her hometown with the hope of finding her. Reluctantly, she agrees to travel to Los Angeles to see Dr. Phil.

However, after she is seen physically resisting being placed on the Dr Phil stage, she then runs away, out onto the Paramount lot.

Dr. Phil follows her, and makes a point of noting: 'This is the first time in ten years I've come out here, [and it's] to talk to you.'

America's Next top Model: At 22, Ms Stauss was an aspiring model and a finalist in cycle eight of the Tyra Banks hosted show

Ms Strauss, who called herself 'well-rounded' while on the show, also had her fair share of struggles prior to her appearance on Dr Phil.

A few episodes into the 2007 America's next Top Model season, she had to deal with a friend's death from an overdose.

While she decided to remain on the show, saying in an interview, 'There was never, never a question in my mind to leave the competition. My friend is gone and I am still here living life to the fullest,' she chose to dedicate her picture that week to her dead friend.

Ravaged: Jael Strauss refused to appear onstage beside Dr Phil as she was so ashamed of her behaviour

Ashamed: Jael Strauss found it a struggle to appear on the US show but told Dr Phil she was a 'well rounded person'

Broken: Jael Strauss' close friend killed themselves during series 8 of the show which her family claimed left her vulnerable

Then, that same year, she sued over the release of erotic photos taken of when she was 16.

Her family adds that while experiencing her friend's overdose 'really shook her', she herself could not keep away from drugs.

A habit they say has taken its toll both mentally and physically, including rotting her teeth and leaving her body covered in sores.

Devastated: Jael's behaviour has broken her family, including mother Debbie